Treatment of erectile dysfunction with penile implants

BACKGROUND: Penile implants are the final step in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients treated with penile implants in our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1990 to 2002, 37 men with erectile dysfunction were treated with a three-component penile implant (AMS 700). In 2 patients the implant was removed; 2 patients were dead at the time of the study. The remaining group (n = 33) received a questionnaire concerning their penile implants, of whom 27 (82 %) responded. Mean observation time after surgery was 6 years. Mean age at surgery was 50 (27 - 68 years). RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, trauma and venous insufficiency were the main reasons (68 %) for dysfunction in this patient group. Five patients had perioperative or early postoperative complications. Nineteen (51 %) were re-operated mainly because of dislocation (n = 5), perforation (n = 4) or mechanical failure (n = 4) of the implant. Twenty (74 %) patients were satisfied after surgery. There was no significant improvement in libido or in the relationship with partners. INTERPRETATION: Three out of four patients were pleased to have the penile implantation done despite the high reoperation rate.